Seven things I’ve learned from Racing

Jeff Rogers is the founder of OneAccord Consulting in Seattle, WA. You can learn more about him here. He recently shared his top seven life lessons from his time spent Formula racing:

1. Walk the track

Recruiting is important, but you need to be able to retain your people. The way you do this is by giving them proper expectations of what’s coming up. Prepare them emotionally for the next thing they’re going to face BEFORE they face it.

Write down X and X+20 – describe to us what you’re life looks like 20 years from now.

A manager’s role is to help them get what they want out of life. We need to understand their vision and where they want to go and put a plan together for them that will get us there. Activity today needs to align with where they want to go.

2. Know when to make the pass

A lot of life is spent running at 80% and you have bursts of 100%. I’m gonna do a great job, but here’s how I’m going to advance to the next level. You’ve gotta pace yourself.

3. Plan your line, use the draft

The draft = let others pull you along. Learn what they know, put it to use. You don’t have to figure it out all on your own. People love to help, but you usually have to ask.

4. To finish first, you must first finish

Wanting to quit and quitting are two totally different things. Sometimes success can be defined as not giving up – staying in the game. Can you keep running at 70% and wait for a pass later. If the car stops during a race, it’s really hard to keep it going later.

5. It’s the TEAM

Everyone is part of a team. If it’s not for those who keep the car running, there’s no racing. It’s not all about the driver. You’re in a business where you definitely have to make it work – no question. But you don’t have to do it all alone.

6. Even the best will wreck

“If you don’t come walking back to the pits every once in a while holding a steering wheel in your hands, you’re not trying hard enough.” – Mario Andretti

Come to terms with it and accept it. Everyone in life has their down times. That’s when the team comes in and helps you rebuild. Sometimes you can get lost in the production and forget what you’re out there doing. It’s not if but when – actuaries tell us that. Do you have people around you who can pick you up and keep you going.

7. Pray

There is something out there bigger than ourselves – that we can turn to for strength. That can make a huge difference.